Tokyo Trip: Let’s Go For the Bow

And here is my Day 4 outfit.  It was my favorite outfit of the trip.  When I originally bought this skirt, I envisioned wearing a black cami and wearing a scarf around my neck as an ensemble.  However, when I bought this bow hair clip during a short jaunt to Harajuku earlier in the week, it inspired me to wear my black and white striped shirt with the skirt instead.  In fact, the fashion inspiration that I got from my hair clip made me want to go back and spend more time in Harajuku (which we ended up doing later in the day).

But first, Chris wanted to see a panoramic view of the city, so we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.  We took pictures in the square and went up to the observation deck afterwards.  Unfortunately, we were unable to see Mt. Fuji, but we were able to get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo (note:  all of my outfit photos were taken at ground level!).

I added Totoro to my purse because 1) he’s a cute cartoon character, and 2) I wanted to add a bit of Japanese style to my everyday look.

We then spent most of the afternoon in the Harajuku and Omotesando area.  I bought a cute vintage dress in a thrift store in Harajuku (sorry that it’s not pictured!).  I hope to wear the dress sometime in the fall or on a cool day (sadly, the material isn’t hot weather-friendly).

I’ll share more from the rest of our trip (only 3 more outfits left!).  Hope everyone had a good weekend (and a Happy Father’s Day!)!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Top:  Poof!/TJ Maxx

Skirt:  vintage/thrifted

Belt:  Betsey Johnson/TJ Maxx

Shoes:  Big Buddha/DSW

Purse:  Chinese Laundry/gift

Bow:  WEGO/Harajuku

Earrings:  Guess/Macy’s

Keychain (Totoro):  shop in Nakano


No More Rainy Days

Yay, for sunshine!  Yesterday, I was finally able to wear the Oxford-type shoes that I bought about two months ago.  Every time I planned on wearing them, it was either rainy or had finished raining.  Luckily, Sunday was rain-free and back to spring-like temperatures.

I spent most of the day cleaning (don’t worry, I managed to wear my scrubby clothes for the deep cleaning and vacuuming).  I wore this outfit on my one outing for the day–a visit to my parents.

So, my photographer for the day was my mom!  She strolled out into the backyard in her satiny, heeled Mootsies Tootsies.  My mom even squatted in her heels to take a picture of my shoes!  I love my mom and her sense of “casual” fashion.

I think the theme for my outfit was flowy, springtime comfort.  This kind of weather is perfect for me.  I wish it lasted all year round.

I hope everyone had a good Monday.  Goodbye, April; hello, May!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Blouse:  Esprit/vintage

Dress:  Xhilaration/Target

Belt:  Betsey Johnson/TJ Maxx

Shoes:  Big Buddha/DSW

Sunglasses:  Franco Sarto/Marshalls


Time To Travel

I’m pretty certain I look like I time-traveled from the 1990s in this outfit.  But it doesn’t matter (too much) to me.  I wanted to wear something nice but not too dressy for a birthday party.   I planned to be dressed for a cool morning and a warmer afternoon, but I was surprised by a mostly warm morning and warmer afternoon (the jacket was left in the car until sunset).

I have a feeling that it will be a very hot summer.  Unfortunately, now that I’ve gotten older, I prefer sunny, but cooler days.  I like the idea of a nice breeze and wearing multiple layers of light clothing.  Plus, sweating isn’t a good look for me.

I accessorized with a Snoopy bracelet and a bright yellow purse (I’m sorry for my veiny hand.  I really wasn’t meant to be a hand model).

It was nice to see family that we haven’t seen in awhile.  I hope Chris and I will be able to take trips in the near future to visit them again.  Actually, given the fact that we have family all over the country (and certain parts of the world), we could plan our vacations on just visiting and catching up with all of them.

So many places to go, so many people to see…

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Top:  Kenar/Marshalls

Skirt:  Michele/vintage

Shoes:  Esprit/donated

Purse:  kensie Girl/Marshalls

Bracelet:  vintage


Those Wear the Days

Remember when I said I was going to post some shots of my last week of self-styled work clothes (that’s okay if you don’t remember–I’ll forgive you)?  Well, the time has finally come!  Spring is in full force, so I should share with you my outfits from yesteryear before it becomes too ridiculously hot to even look at a sweater.

First up, speaking of sweaters, here is a long one that I had just gotten for my birthday back in late November:

I actually wore this sweater yesterday.  It’s not heavy, so it was perfect to wear on a relatively cool, dreary day.  The shirt is pretty awesome, too.  It has a boatneck top and a pop of red at the cuffs.  I love the simplicity of the design and the unexpected burst of color.

Next, is one of my favorite work-appropriate outfits (of this particular week):

I do enjoy wearing purple.  Since I started this blog, I realized that I own many shades of purple.  The belt actually came from a pair of shorts (I’ve surprisingly never worn the two together before).  It was fun going head-to-toe in purple (note:  I’m wearing purple loafers!).

The last two outfits are pretty similar.  For both days, I went with the same theme:  button-down shirts underneath cotton shirts:

These were supposed to be my more professional looking outfits.  I like the ease of pairing a button-down shirt with a shirt or sweater.  In milder weather, a shirt with three-quarter length sleeves is a nice complement to the more conservatively buttoned-up shirt.

So, there you (finally) have it!  I’m also debating whether or not I should go back to shorter hair in the summer.  I do miss my shorter hairstyle!  In the meantime, enjoy the warmer weather!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Outfit 1:

Sweater:  Style & Co./Macy’s (gift)

Top:  Jonathan Saunders for Target/Target

Pants:  Gap/donated

Shoes:  Divertente Studio/vintage

Outfit 2:

Top:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Pants:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Shoes:  Xhilaration/Target

Belt:  from a pair of Calvin Klein shorts

Outfit 3:

Top:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Button-down shirt:  Converse/Target

Pants:  Gap/donated

Shoes:  Xhilaration/Target

Outfit 4:

Top:  Merona/Target

Button-down shirt:  Converse/thrift store

Pants:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Shoes:  Divertente Studio/vintage


In Bloom

I was amazed at how warm it actually was on Saturday.  By the time Chris and I were out and walking for about an hour, I had to shed my light blazer because I was working up a sweat.

Chris and I had fun walking around the National Mall.  For the past few years, we’ve made it a point to take a walk near or around the Tidal Basin when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.  Since we were taking pictures for the blog, we reminisced about our fashion choices over the years, particularly as we toured the monuments.  It has only been in the last year or two that we’ve become more particular about the clothes we buy and wear.  I think our biggest fashion “don’ts” were wearing clothes that were too big (remember when baggy clothes were in?) or too small (okay, that’s more of my faux pas; I guess I was jumping on the belly-baring bandwagon).  Now, even though we know we don’t always make perfect sartorial choices, we enjoy creating looks that fit us better.

As far as fit goes, I realize my skirt is a bit on the short side.  I’m sure I inadvertently flashed groups of people throughout the day, but I did my very best to sit and stand up as modestly as possible (unfortunately, I think I was unsuccessful about half of the time).

Also, another fun fact:  most of my clothes were bought at the thrift store, or were given/donated to me.  When it comes to shopping, I get the most joy out of spending the least amount of money possible.  So, this outfit probably tops the list for best bargains.  I think the entire outfit, from head to toe was about $50 (I figure if I’m going to shop, I’m not going to overspend).  And bonus fact:  I ended up finding (what I believe is) an authentic vintage Coach purse at the thrift store last week.  I love the size and portability–it forces me not to carry too much (although I could have at least brought a pack of travel tissues for runny nose season).

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  Welcome, spring!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Hers:

Blazer:  Old Navy/thrift store

Top:  Mon Amie/Marshalls

Button-down shirt:  Liz Claiborne/vintage

Skirt:  H&M/thrift store

Shoes:  Ipanema/vintage

Necklace:  Richelieu/vintage store

Earrings:  Amuse’/gift

Sunglasses:  Steve Madden/Marshalls

His:

Button-down shirt:  H&M/H&M

Jeans:  Levi’s/Levi’s Outlet Store

Shoes:  Zoo York/store in Paris

Sunglasses:  Oakley/Sunglass Hut


Going With It

I. Can’t.  Stop.  Dressing.  Funky.  Okay, I CAN actually stop, but I seem to be in such a funkalicious mood that I can’t help but want to dress with wild abandonment (note:  I’m not supposed to use the word “can’t”; a co-worker told me that I have to take that word out of my vocabulary–I’m working on it).

I wanted to style my outfit based off a jacket that I bought at a vintage store months ago, but was only just recently dry cleaned (note:  it still carries that “vintage” smell–I suppose the smell is just so strong or it wasn’t properly cleaned–methinks I don’t want to know the truth).  The jacket inspired a “must-stay-warm-yet-appear-mature” look.  I felt all prim and proper with a turtleneck sweater and a jumper that, when cinched with the right belt, made me feel conservatively commanding.  I also doubled up on tights and leggings because I was afraid my legs would get cold.  I pulled out my wacky leggings, decided they were possibly too crazy to wear with the rest of the outfit but was told by Chris to “just go with it.”  Actually, I’m not sure if that was his exact quote, or if it was just a paraphrase of what he said, and I faultily remembered it because I was thinking of a Jennifer Aniston movie; either way, I took what Chris said, and decided to leave the leggings on.  I figured my legs would thank me later.

I had planned on just wearing my polka-dotted jacket as my extra layer, but I realized that it was going to be colder at night.  So I brought along my ruffled short coat just in case (note:  it did get colder at night, and it was a little chilly during the day–yay, for wearing multiple layers!).  It was comfortable when we were inside the museum and inside this atrium.  A quiet retreat from city life:

And now I will quietly retreat from my computer, so I CAN get ready for bed.  Goodnight and funky dreams!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Dress:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Sweater:  So/Kohl’s

Leggings:  Xhilaration/Target

Jackets:  Polka dot:  Notations/vintage store; Ruffled:  Steve Madden/Marshalls

Boots:  vintage

Belt:  vintage

Purse:  Franco Sarto

Sunglasses:  Franco Sarto


Let’s Reconnect

I apologize to the one (or two) person(s) reading this blog:  my every intention is to have two posts per week, but alas, at this point, I can’t do this on a consistent basis (cue sad trombone).  I hope in the future, I will inundate this blog with more outfits and musings (this shall be my New Year’s resolution–it’s not too late to make any, is it?).

With that in mind, my outfit for the week comes courtesy of last Saturday.  We attended a celebratory dinner and got a chance to catch up with old friends.  I feel that’s what I’m doing more and more of every year; reconnecting with people whom I haven’t seen in a very long time.  So, yet another resolution of mine is to spend more quality time with friends (good friends=good fun).

I really love this dress (it’s got pockets!).  I bought it at Old Navy a few years ago, and so far, I’ve worn it for Christmas, a wedding, and now a dinner.  I would probably wear it more if I didn’t care if the same people saw me wear it over and over again.  In fact, maybe I should add this to my list of resolutions (it’s growing really fast now); I’ll try to be less self-conscious about what clothes I wear.  That way, I can wear the same thing as many times as I want and not feel guilty about it.

Speaking of guilty, I hate to leave now (it was so great catching up!), but I must attend to some daily chores (don’t worry–I enjoy blogging more than cleaning, but unfortunately, during the work week, I leave our apartment a little on the filthy side).  I plan on showcasing a new outfit next week.  See you soon!

P.S.  If you were wondering, yes, it looks like my head is going to fall off in that last picture (that might be why I appear to be giving the evil eye).

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Jacket:  Mossimo/consignment shop

Dress:  Old Navy/Old Navy

Tights:  Calvin Klein/Marshalls

Shoes:  Armando/vintage

Necklace:  Macy’s/loaned

Earrings:  Alfani/Macy’s

Bracelet:  Macy’s


On the Regular

I’ve been away and back since my last post.  I had another hectic week and no cool outfits from this past weekend, so, instead, I’ll share some fun pictures from about eight days ago.   Over a week ago, we took a little trip to North Carolina to celebrate a very special birthday for a very special little guy.  I wore minimal accessories and even went with my natural wavy look for the occasion (my “no fuss”/I’m-too-lazy-to-blowdry-my-hair/I-need-a-haircut look).

When I was packing for the trip, I was browsing through my closet and found these jeans.  It had been months (almost a year?) since I had worn them.  I’ve been having fun wearing skirts or the same capris and skinny pants/jeans year round, that I’d forgotten about these particular pair of jeans.  These jeans are one of the few pairs that I own that fit me (almost) perfectly length-wise.  I think I might have to start putting them into my regular rotation of “bottoms.”

Speaking of what I like to wear regularly, I just can’t seem to get enough of this plaid button-down shirt.  I’m afraid that I might wear this top at least once a month.  I know–I shouldn’t be concerned about wearing something too often, but I do like to show just a little bit of variety.

I will try to post again soon.  Hope everyone has a great week!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Sweater:  Pink Rose/TJ Maxx

Button-down shirt:  Sears JR Bazaar/vintage

Jeans:  Grane/Marshalls

Boots:  Mossimo Supply Co./Target


Forget Winter

I had to think carefully when I picked out an outfit that was appropriate for the mild, or dare I say, warmer, temperatures on Saturday (I must have also been subconsciously trying to reproduce this fun outfit–our blazers are very similar!).  I decided to combine a long, flowy skirt with a pair of black boots that finally debuted on this blog (the last of many black boots I’ve worn so far), because I needed to convince myself that it was still winter.  I brought along a light jacket, but I was able to get by with just my blazer for most of the day.

Every winter, I forget a few important things.  For one thing, I forget how dry my skin gets.  When it gets really frigid, my hands are beyond chapped.  It also doesn’t help that I’m washing my hands throughout the day.  I’m sure my best option would be to moisturize more often and wear gloves after using a thick cream at night.  Of course, I don’t do this.  Secondly, I forget how static-y my hair gets.  My “flyaways” become “stick-to-my foreheads.”  Sometimes, wind can help volumize your hair; in the winter, it shakes my hair into a limp state.  It’s the unfortunate truth.

Either way, it was nice to spend the majority of the day outside of our apartment.  I did some winter hat shopping (more on that in another post), plus we found a nice coffeehouse where we could sit back and relax (for about a good hour before closing).  To me, this is the best way to spend the weekend.  Now if only the warmer weather could stick around for just a little bit longer…

P.S.  A special thank you to the iPhone–without it, these pictures would not be possible.

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Blazer:  Merona/Goodwill

Tank top:  Ellen Tracy/Marshalls

Skirt:  Chelsea Ltd./vintage

Boots:  Franco Sarto/DSW

Purse:  Franco Sarto/Marshalls

Necklace:  boutique shop in Paris

Bracelet:  gift


Play Time

I was feeling flirty and funny when I wore this outfit.  The skirt was way too short to be worn without anything underneath, and it did make me feel semi-self-conscious.  So, I added a pair of black jeggings and felt this was enough for visiting my parents without shame.

This outfit was from last Sunday.  I find that I wear more playful clothes on Sunday than on Saturday.  I think this is because of: 1) the laundry dilemma (i.e. not having enough clean clothes to choose from) and 2) the decision to spend the last day of the weekend in the most laid-back way possible (i.e. not caring about my outfits as much).

This weekend, I’ll be going out-of-town for a couple of days, but I’ll be back by Sunday.  We’ll see if we can capture a few of my holiday outfits for the blog.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday and enjoys the rest of 2011!

Outfit (Designer/Purchased from):

Button-down shirt:  twenty one/vintage shop

Skirt:  Rachael & Chloe/Marshalls

Jeggings:  Van Pierre/Marshalls

Flats:  Armando/vintage

Necklace:  vintage